APES Final Study Guide FRQ 4

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Traps heat in the atmosphere, primarily released from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Methane (CH₄)

Traps heat effectively, significantly released from livestock digestion (e.g., cows) and natural gas production.

Fossil Fuel Combustion

Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, releasing large amounts of CO₂.

Deforestation

Cutting down trees, leading to increased CO₂ levels as trees absorb CO₂.

Agriculture

Livestock digestion and rice paddies release significant amounts of methane (CH₄).

Landfills

Decomposing organic waste, producing methane (CH₄).

Rising Sea Levels

Result from melting polar ice caps and glaciers, causing coastal flooding.

Extreme Weather Events

More frequent and severe hurricanes, droughts, and storms due to increased global temperatures.

Loss of Biodiversity

Threatens plant and animal species with extinction due to habitat and climate changes.

Impacts on Agriculture

Alters growing seasons and crop yields, affecting food supply due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.

Montreal Protocol Success Factors

Clear Scientific Consensus, Economic Feasibility, and Global Cooperation.

Kyoto Protocol Challenges

Economic Concerns, Political Opposition, and Complexity in transitioning away from fossil fuels.